Common name : decollate snail (nicknamed the snail destroyer), giant African land snails or agate snails

Aspect : The decollate snail has a thick, cone-shaped shell that is brown to shiny cream in color. It measures up to 40 mm in length (at maturity). When it reaches this size, the top of its shell breaks off. A calcareous blade is then secreted to seal the hole. The shell of Achatinidae is large, spiraled, generally elongated, and conical in shape. It measures between 5 cm and over 25 cm in length (Achatina achatina, the “tiger snail,” can reach up to 30 cm, making it one of the largest land snail shells in the world)

Feeding : the decollate snail is a predator of other Helix snails, slugs and their eggs. It unfortunately also attacks earthworms which are particularly beneficial for the soil. More generally this family is herbivorous and detritivorous (leaves, fruits, vegetables, Decaying plant or organic matter ...)

Environment : The decollate snail is found around the Mediterranean, including the Middle East. It was introduced to North America as a biological control agent in the hope of controlling populations of “small gray” snails (Cornu aspersum). More generally, this family thrives in warm, humid environments rich in vegetation and organic matter. It is found mainly in the tropical and subtropical regions of Africa